As I settled into my seat at the Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium, the electric atmosphere reminded me why international basketball tournaments in the Middle East have become such spectacular events. The air was thick with anticipation, and honestly, I've never seen so many Filipino basketball jerseys in one place outside of Manila. These fans truly travel the world to support their heroes, and tonight's matchup between USA and France had drawn them in droves - something I've noticed happening increasingly in Middle Eastern venues over the past few years.
The Filipino presence here tonight isn't surprising when you consider how basketball-crazy the nation is. From my conversations with fans before tip-off, many were particularly excited about this matchup because it reminded them of the Philippine Basketball Association's intense rivalries back home. Several fans mentioned how this USA vs France game felt like watching Ginebra versus San Miguel on a global stage - that same level of passion and national pride. The defending champion mentality that San Miguel carries in the PBA perfectly mirrors what the French team brought into this matchup, having won their previous international encounter.
From the opening tip, the game delivered exactly what we hoped for - high-level basketball with that distinctive international flavor. The first quarter ended with USA leading 28-24, but what struck me most was how the French defense adapted after those initial minutes. Having covered numerous international games, I've noticed European teams often start slower against American athleticism but find their rhythm as the game progresses. The scoring breakdown showed USA shooting 52% from the field in that first quarter, while France managed only 44%, but what the numbers don't show is how France's defensive adjustments in the second quarter would completely change the game's momentum.
The second quarter was where France truly showcased why they're considered among the world's elite. They outscored USA 25-18, holding the American squad to just 38% shooting while forcing 6 turnovers. I've always admired how European coaches implement systematic approaches that expose even the most talented teams. France's coach implemented a defensive scheme that specifically targeted USA's primary ball handlers, and honestly, it was some of the most disciplined half-court defense I've seen this year. The halftime score of 52-46 in France's favor felt surprising to many, but having studied both teams' recent performances, I suspected we might see this kind of battle.
What fascinated me in the third quarter was how both teams traded blows while sticking to their distinctive styles. USA relied on their transition game, scoring 12 fast-break points in the quarter alone, while France executed their half-court sets with surgical precision. The quarter ended with USA narrowing the gap to 75-72, setting up what would become an absolutely thrilling final period. Throughout the arena, you could feel the tension building, with Filipino fans cheering spectacular plays from both sides with equal enthusiasm - something I've always admired about international basketball crowds here in the Middle East.
The fourth quarter was exactly why I love covering these international matchups. With 3:42 remaining, France held a narrow 88-85 lead, but what happened next demonstrated the clutch gene that separates good teams from great ones. USA went on an 8-0 run over the next two minutes, sparked by two consecutive three-pointers that brought the American fans to their feet. The final two minutes featured three lead changes, with the score tied at 95-95 with just 18 seconds remaining. In these moments, I've learned that execution matters more than talent, and France's final possession proved this perfectly.
With the game on the line, France ran a beautifully executed pick-and-roll that resulted in an open layup with just 2.1 seconds remaining. USA's desperation heave from beyond half-court rattled out, sealing the 97-95 victory for France. Looking at the final statistics, several numbers jump out - France shot 47% from three-point range compared to USA's 35%, and they outrebounded USA 42-38. But beyond the numbers, what impressed me most was France's composure down the stretch, reminiscent of how championship teams like San Miguel close out games in crucial moments.
Reflecting on the complete game, this matchup demonstrated why international basketball has become so compelling. The final score of 97-95 in France's favor doesn't fully capture the game's intensity and strategic depth. Having covered basketball across multiple continents, I believe we're witnessing a shift where the gap between traditional powerhouses like USA and other top-tier national teams has virtually disappeared. The passionate Filipino fans who filled the stadium witnessed exactly what they came for - two basketball giants colliding in a game that lived up to its billing and then some. This is exactly why I keep coming back to these international tournaments - you simply never know when you'll witness an instant classic that reminds you why this global game continues to evolve in the most exciting ways.